

Lastly, consider purchasing a flashlight that can be powered by lithium batteries instead of alkalines. Even batteries that don’t exhibit any external signs of damage can have an internal short if dropped. Batteries with damage are more likely to have weakened cell walls which can cause leakage. This can lead to reverse charging which weakens the batteries and can make them prone to leaking.ĭon’t use dented or otherwise damaged batteries. You can store the batteries in a convenient battery caddy so they will be held secure and won’t accidentally short circuit each other.ĭon’t use batteries of different brands or discharge states in the same flashlight. That way, if they leak, they will not damage the flashlight itself. If you don’t plan to use the flashlight very often, we recommend storing the batteries outside of the flashlight. The ideal temperature for alkaline battery storage is between 50 and 77☏. This will cause the batteries to drain faster and the internal seals to wear down more quickly. Don’t store batteries in an environment that has drastic temperature changes, especially in hot environments like a vehicle. The most important thing you can do is store the batteries properly. There are many factors that can contribute to alkaline batteries leaking, but there are safeguards you can take to help prevent it. The excess gas causes a pressure build up inside the battery which can eventually rupture the battery seal and potassium hydroxide will leak out. One byproduct of this chemical change is hydrogen gas.

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BrightGuy and Flashlight University have teamed up to bring you some quick tips on how to clean up after alkaline batteries have damaged your flashlight.Īs alkaline batteries age or discharge, the chemistry of the battery changes. If you catch the leak early enough, it can be possible to fix corrosion with some light cleaning. By minimizing the need for a jump start, you prevent the inconvenience of a dead battery as well as the risk to your electrical systems from a bad jump.Alkaline battery leakage is by far the most common flashlight problem that we see. Newer cars have significantly more electronic components that can be damaged by an improperly performed jump start. Take your old battery to any car parts store for a credit typically around $7 - $10.Īnother obvious benefit of replacing your battery every three years is that you minimize the risk of your car not starting when you need it to. We recommend changing your battery every three years to prevent the unnecessary wear and tear on your other engine components. This does not mean that your battery dies at this point, but it does mean that your alternator and other components in your engine need to work harder to keep your battery charged. Most batteries begin to significantly lose their ability to store a charge around the three year mark. If you find that your battery terminals and cables are dirty, clean them with a wire brush and baking soda to facilitate an efficient charging process. It is important also to periodically check the terminals on your battery for oxidation (white or green deposits on the battery posts). The alternator then provides additional current to the battery whenever the engine is running, which recharges the battery.Ĭar batteries are filled with acid, which allows them to convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

When you turn on the lights, radio, seat heaters or other automotive electronics, the battery provides the power, not the alternator. When the car is running, the alternator generates electricity, which flows to the battery for storage. Many people mistakenly assume that when a car is running, the alternator powers the electronics in the car - this is incorrect. Extreme heat is more detrimental to your car's battery than extreme cold - this is one reason many car companies are installing the battery in the trunk of the car, away from the hot engine. The battery is responsible for two functions: it starts your car and also passes along electricity to the electrical components in your car. Automotive batteries can be the source of unnecessary trouble for drivers, especially in extreme weather conditions.
